Good action by Disney Corp. Governor RONALD DION DeSANTIS stuck it to Disney when it criticized his unconstitutional legislation attacking LGBTQ+ people. Disney is fighting back. In response, DeSANTIS apparently thought he could beg Disney to accept a unilateral disarmament treaty. Good for Disney. From Axios:
DeSantis holds a press conference to discuss his dispute with Disney in April, 2023. Photo: Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel/Tribune News Service via Getty
The Walt Disney Company filed a counterclaim Thursday against the board appointed by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) to take control of Walt Disney World's special tax district, per court filings.
The big picture: The move comes amid a yearslong feud between Disney and DeSantis, which ignited after the company publicly opposed the controversial dubbed "Dont Say Gay" law, championed by the governor.
- DeSantis has cited his fight with Disney while campaigning for the Republican presidential nomination. However, he suggested in a CNBC interview on Monday that he wants the ongoing legal battle to end, saying he had "basically moved on."
- Disney seems to have other ideas.
Driving the news: Disney filed counterclaims this week against a lawsuit filed in May by the Desantis-appointed Central Florida Tourism Oversight District board, which was itself a countersuit.
- The entertainment giant alleges breach of contract and the violation of the free speech clause of Florida's constitution.
- Disney is seeking damages over the alleged breach as well as injunctive relief.
- Representatives for Disney, DeSantis and the board did not immediately return Axios' request for comment.
Catch up quick: DeSantis revoked the company's 25,000-acre special tax district, known as the Reedy Creek Improvement District around Walt Disney World in Orlando, and created a board packed with DeSantis allies to oversee the district.
- Disney filed a lawsuit against DeSantis and the board in April, alleging the state's actions toward the company amount to a "targeted campaign" of government retaliation."
- The DeSantis-appointed board filed its own lawsuit against Disney earlier in May.
Of note: Disney in May canceled plans for a new, nearly $1 billion employee campus in Orlando.
- The company said at the time that the cancellation was the result of "changing business conditions."
Go deeper: Disney leans into values amid Florida feud with DeSantis
1 comment:
The anti-everything governor. Great long term strategy by Republicans. Attitude is: "Who cares about the future of the party. I'll be dead!"
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